Is your Peloton bike making noise when pedaling? We’ve found a way to solve it!
Hearing annoying noises when you pedal will ruin your mood and performance.
It usually indicates a problem with the bike that requires immediate attention as it can be serious.
To stop your Peloton bike from making unnecessary noise, you need to tighten your cleats and pedals so they don’t squeak. You’ll also want to adjust your bike chain and flywheel as they make noise when loose.
Let’s explore all possible solutions!
10 Easy Steps to Fix Peloton Bike Making Noise When Pedaling
To help you find and fix the noise problem, we listed 10 easy solutions that cover the most common causes.
You won’t need special tools or skills to do most of them.
1. Check Your Cleat Tightness
Cleats are parts made of metal or plastic that secure your shoes to the pedals.
If not securely fastened, they produce a clicking or squeaking sound when pedaling your Peloton bike.
To address this, check your cleat’s tightness and adjust them if needed.
Here are the steps to do this:
- Remove your shoes from the pedals.
- Inspect the cleats for signs of wear or damage.
- Use a hex wrench or an Allen key to tighten the screws.
- Put your shoes back on the pedals and test the bike.
Note: If you see cracks or wear and tear, replace your cleats with new ones.
2. Tighten the Pedals
Pedals connect your shoes to the crank arms of your Peloton bike.
If they are not screwed in properly, they create a rattling or creaking noise when you pedal.
To fix the issue, tighten the pedals using a pedal wrench.
Here’s how:
- Locate the pedals on both sides of your Peloton bike.
- Pedal with one foot at a time to identify which one is making the noise.
- Tighten the pedal with a wrench, turning it clockwise.
- Repeat step 3 for the other pedal if needed.
- Test the bike and see if the noise is gone.
Note: Ensure you tighten the pedals firmly, but not too tight, to avoid damaging the threads.
3. Lubricate the Pedal Threads
Pedal threads are the grooves that allow the pedals to screw into the crank arms.
Your Peloton bike will make noises when you pedal if they are dry or dirty.
To fix this, lubricate or clean the threads with a rag or brush.
Here’s how:
- Turn the wrench counterclockwise to remove the pedals from the crank arms.
- Clean the pedal threads with a cloth or brush to remove dirt or debris.
- Apply some grease or oil to the threads and spread it evenly.
- Reattach the pedals to the crank arms and tighten them with a wrench.
- Test the bike and see if the noise is gone.
Tip: Include pedal thread lubrication as part of your regular bike maintenance. Do it every few months or as needed.
4. Check the Crank Arms of Your Bike
The crank arms connect your pedals to your bottom bracket. If they are loose or misaligned, they create a knocking or clunking sound when you pedal. So, make sure to inspect and tighten them if necessary.
Here are the steps to do this:
- Inspect the crank arms for damage or looseness.
- Tighten them with a wrench or replace them if needed.
- Check the crank arm alignment.
- Loosen or tighten the bolts as necessary.
- Test the bike and see if the noise is gone.
Note: If you ride frequently, include crank arm inspections as part of your routine maintenance. This helps identify issues early and prevents further damage.
5. Adjust the Bottom Bracket
The bottom bracket is the part that holds the axle of your bike and allows it to spin smoothly.
You will hear a clicking or creaking noise if it becomes loose, worn out, or misaligned.
Inspect and adjust it to find and fix the issue.
Here are the steps to do it:
- Locate the bottom bracket on the underside of your bike.
- Identify its type to use the right tool.
- Use a bottom bracket wrench to tighten or loosen it.
- Test the bike and see if the noise is gone.
Note: Do not under-tighten or over-tighten the bottom bracket to prevent damaging the bearings or causing friction.
6. Adjust Your Saddle Height
The saddle height is the distance between your seat and the pedals.
A Peloton bike will make clicking noise when pedaling if the saddle height is too high or too low.
It will also affect your posture and pedaling efficiency.
Note: You will need a hex wrench or an Allen key to adjust your saddle height.
Here’s how to do it:
- Sit on your Peloton bike.
- Put your feet on the pedals with your legs slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke.
- Use a hex wrench or Allen key to loosen the bolt on your seat post.
- Raise or lower your seat until you find the optimal height.
- Tighten the bolt and ensure your seat is secure and stable.
- Test the bike and see if the noise is gone.
Note: Using the wrong tools will damage your bike’s components. Ensure you use the correct tools to adjust your saddle height.
7. Inspect Your Bike Chain or Belt
The bike chain or belt is the part that transfers the power from your pedals to your flywheel.
If it’s unclean, impaired, or not properly tightened, your Peloton bike makes a rattling or squeaking sound when you pedal.
To avoid this, inspect and maintain your chain or belt regularly.
Here’s how:
- Remove the plastic cover that protects the chain or belt.
- Look for signs of damage, wear, or rust.
- Ensure the chain or belt runs parallel to the frame and is centered on the sprockets.
- Loosen the bolts with an Allen wrench and adjust the position if needed.
- Check the chain or belt’s tension.
- Press the chain or belt gently to check its deflection, aiming for about half an inch.
- Adjust the tension bolts with an Allen wrench if needed.
- Ensure a light, even coating for reduced friction and noise.
- Wipe off excess dirt and apply suitable lubricant.
Tip: Use a special bike chain lube or a general-purpose oil to lubricate your Peloton bike for a smooth and quiet operation.
8. Check Your Flywheel
The flywheel is a large metal disc that rotates when you pedal and creates resistance to stimulate the feel of riding a real bike.
You will also hear a noise if it’s loose, misaligned, or damaged.
Therefore, it’s worth inspecting the flywheel to find and fix the issue.
Here are the steps to do this:
- Remove the plastic cover that protects the flywheel.
- Look for cracks, dents, or warping.
- If you see any sign of damage, replace the flywheel with a new one.
- It should be parallel to the frame and centered on the axle.
- Loosen the bolts with an Allen wrench and adjust the position if needed.
- Ensure the flywheel does not wobble when you spin it.
- Tighten the bolts with an Allen wrench if required.
9. Make Sure Your Bike is Level
Ensure your Peloton bike is level on the floor to reduce noise and improve performance.
If tilted or uneven, it causes instability and vibration when you pedal, leading to unwanted noise.
To fix this, level your bike using its adjustable feet.
Here’s how to do this:
- Place your bike on a flat and solid surface.
- Use a bubble level or phone app to check alignment.
- Adjust the feet with an Allen wrench until the cycle is level.
- Ensure all feet are touching the floor and not wobbling.
Pro Tip: Periodically inspect and maintain your Peloton bike’s level to enhance stability and comfort during rides.
10. Replace the Brake Pads
The brake pads are the rubber pieces that press against the flywheel and create resistance when you adjust the knob.
Over time, they become worn out and make squealing or rubbing noises when you pedal.
To fix this, replace the brake pedals.
Here are the steps:
- Remove the plastic cover that protects the brake pads.
- Use a Philipps screwdriver to remove the screws and springs.
- Pull out the old brake pads and discard them.
- Insert the new brake pads and align them properly.
- Use a Philipps screwdriver to attach them with new screws and springs.
Note: Ensure the brake pads on your Peloton bike are evenly spaced and not touching each other.
Quick Recap
If you have a Peloton bike making noise when pedaling, immediately tighten the cleats and pedals and adjust the chain and flywheel for a quieter and smoother bike ride.
Don’t let annoying noises ruin your workout experience.
For more troubleshooting resources, explore our blog!
Kevin has over five years of experience working in various Tech startups and providing Technical solutions. He has contributed to many Tech publications and websites. Check out more about him here.